This archive report was first published on 10 October 2019.
Former Arsenal and Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has made a surprise career change, trading football for ice hockey and joining National Ice Hockey League team Guildford Phoenix as a goaltender.
According to reports, Cech signed with Guildford Phoenix last summer, after hanging up his gloves as a goalkeeper.
As Guildford's third goaltender, Cech is set to make his debut for the team on Sunday, October 13, against Swindon Wildcats 2.
"I hope I can help this young team achieve their goals," Cech said, expressing his enthusiasm for his new career.
"After 20 years of professional football, this is going to be a wonderful experience for me to play the game I loved to watch and play as a kid," he added.
Guildford's head coach, Andy Hemmings, is also excited about Cech's arrival, calling him a "great guy who trains hard".
With Cech set to make his debut, Guildford Phoenix will face Swindon Wildcats 2 in their next National Ice Hockey League fixture on Sunday.
